Florida is a boat lover’s state. There were in excess of 900,000 registered boats in 2015, the most current statistics available at the time of this writing. Unfortunately, that same year there were 737 reportable accidents, resulting in 55 fatalities and 438 injuries. Many of these accidents were caused by the negligence of a boat operator or other party.

If you were injured in a boating accident that was due to another’s negligence, or if a loved one lost their life, you may pursue compensatory damages for your losses, medical expenses and much more. Miami boating and watercraft accident Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo provides zealous and experienced representation to boat accident victims. Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo offers a free consultation to discuss your case and potential options.

In Miami and Throughout Florida, Boating is a Favorite Activity

Florida was made for boating and water sports – after all, the state is a peninsula surrounded by water, in addition to the many lakes throughout the state. Unfortunately, many boat owners and enthusiasts do not know how to properly and responsibly operate their boats. The following data represents data from 2015, the most recent year statistics were compiled by the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission:

737: number of boating accidents

438: number of injuries

55: number of fatalities

In almost 20% of all boating fatalities alcohol or drug use was involved

Miami-Dade County had the most accidents and injuries in the state, with 96 accidents, 3 fatalities and 74 injuries

Small paddle boats - kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rowboats – are often involved in accidents, resulting in fatalities and injuries

The majority of boats in fatal accidents were 21 feet or less in length

Causes of Boating Accidents

There are a many different causes of boating accidents, including the following:

Excessive speed

Careless and reckless boat operation

Boater inexperience

Bad weather conditions

Violating navigation rules

Alcohol and drug impairment

Overloaded boat

Obstructed vision

Water skier mishap

Colliding with another boat or a fixed object

Capsize

Striking an underwater object

Machinery malfunction

Defective design

Defective manufacture

Defect in marketing, information, warning, or operating instructions

What is a Reportable Boating Accident?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission compiles data based on “reportable boating accidents.” In order to be classified as a reportable boating accident, at least one of the following five criteria must be met:

An individual dies

A person disappears – indicating possible injury or death

A person receives medical treatment for an injury that can’t be treated just with first aid

$2,000 or more in property damage to the boat(s) or property

There is a total loss of a boat involved in the accident

The information collected is extremely important to boating accident cases.

What are Some of the Different Types of Boats Involved in Accidents?

Of course, boats come in all sizes and price ranges. As stated above, the majority of boats that are in crashes and accidents are smaller than 21 ft. in length. Different boats include:

Open motorboat

Personal watercraft

Sailboat, with or without power engine

Cabin motorboat

Airboat

Pontoon boat

Yacht

All other boats

Personal Watercraft – Information and Statistics

There are several types of personal watercraft that have come to be generically known as jet skis and waverunners. To be accurate, a Jet Ski is a Kawasaki product and a WaveRunner is a Yamaha Motor product. These water vehicles have been described as “motorcycles for the water.” They have handlebars and the operator and riders sit on a seat similar to that of a motorcycle’s. Most of these vehicles are made to seat two people, while some seat three and others four. The faster personal watercraft can reach speeds of 65 to 80 miles per hour.

These personal watercraft are particularly attractive to younger age groups but individuals of all ages enjoy them. These watercraft account for a significant number and percentage of reportable accidents. Personal watercraft are frequently rented at waterfront hotels and resorts, and rented ones represent a disproportionately high number of accidents:

161 – number of reportable accidents

22% - percentage of boating accidents

43% - rented personal watercraft in accidents

44% - percentage of personal watercraft involved in a collision with another boat

51% - the percentage of personal watercraft accidents in Miami-Dade County

Personal watercraft are often rented to inexperienced, unskilled operators, many of whom are young. As well, they are often operated recklessly in pursuit of the thrill of speed. Not infrequently, operators drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Accidents are statistically higher in personal watercraft than in many other traditional boats.

Attorney J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo Represents Victims of Boating Accidents in Miami and Throughout Florida

Were you or a loved one injured in a boating accident that was due to another’s negligence? Or from a defective boat? Injured victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, lost future income, property damage and more in a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, when the defendant engaged in particularly reckless, wanton, egregious conduct, such as boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, punitive damages may be sought.

The heirs of deceased victims may pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit which may compensate both the estate of the deceased victim and the surviving heirs. Damages may include medical costs of the deceased, lost income, lost projected income, funeral expenses and more. Survivors may seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of support and services and more. Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo will explain this to you in detail as it applies to your particular case.

Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo settles the great majority of cases with the defendant’s insurance carrier(s). If the insurance company does not offer an amount that is satisfactory, he and his team of attorneys will be prepared to take the case to court for a verdict and court award. Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo will pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible for you. There are no legal fees unless he resolves the case by settlement or court award. His earnings are a percentage of the settlement or award.

You can reach Miami Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email J.P. directly at [email protected].

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